BARCELONA – FC Barcelona officially secured their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 this Wednesday with a commanding 4-1 victory over Copenhagen. The night belonged to the club’s star duo, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who both found the net to ensure the Culés finished the league phase at the top of the standings.
Yamal scored the crucial second goal, while Raphinha converted a clinical penalty to make it three. After the match, the 18-year-old Spaniard highlighted the selfless bond between the two forwards.
“We play for each other”
Speaking to TNT Sports, Yamal dismissed any talk of individual ego within Hansi Flick’s squad. “I think we play for each other,” Yamal stated. “If he had scored and I hadn’t, I would have taken the penalty. Since I had already scored and he hadn’t, I obviously gave him the ball. If we walk together, we reach the highest level. Nobody is above the team.”
RAPHINHA E YAMAL É A DUPLA DO MOMENTO! O camisa 10 do Barcelona falou com nosso Arthur Quezada sobre a parceria com o brasileiro no ataque do time catalão! pic.twitter.com/2yLlu2CGwt
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) January 29, 2026
Koundé on Raphinha’s Leadership
The Brazilian international, who has taken on a captaincy role this season, also received high praise from teammate Jules Koundé. The French defender described Raphinha as a “ten out of ten” leader both on and off the pitch.
“He is incredibly supportive of his teammates,” Koundé noted. “On the field, he has demonstrated a very high level decisive in front of goal and tireless under pressure. He always wants to help the group.”
Focus Shifts to La Liga Title Race
With the Champions League knockout stage secured, Barcelona now returns its attention to La Liga. The league leaders face Elche this Saturday at the Martínez Valero stadium.
Holding a narrow one-point lead over rivals Real Madrid, Hansi Flick is expected to field a full-strength side, including Yamal and Raphinha, to maintain their momentum at the top of the table.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
